Two Candidates Vie for Virginia Beach Delegate Seat

Republican Andrew Rice and Democrat Cheryl Smith compete in special election to fill late Del. Barry Knight's seat

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A special election will be held on March 17 to fill the House of Delegates District 98 seat left vacant after the death of longtime Del. Barry Knight last month. The two candidates are Republican Andrew Rice, a Virginia Beach Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney, and Democrat Cheryl Smith, a retired teacher. The winner will serve the remainder of Knight's two-year term.

Why it matters

The District 98 seat has been held by the Republican Party for 17 years under the late Del. Barry Knight, who was widely respected for his budget expertise and negotiation skills. The special election outcome could shift the partisan balance in the Virginia House of Delegates.

The details

Rice, 39, was selected as the Republican nominee after a party canvass, while Smith, 63, was the only Democrat to apply to run. Rice is a lifelong resident of the district and a prosecutor for over 15 years, while Smith is a retired teacher who previously challenged Knight for the seat. Key issues include victim's rights, education funding, and development in the district's rural areas.

  • Early voting is already underway for the special election.
  • The special election will be held on March 17, 2026.

The players

Andrew Rice

A 39-year-old Republican and Virginia Beach Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney who was selected as the party's nominee after a local canvass.

Cheryl Smith

A 63-year-old Democrat and retired teacher who previously challenged the late Del. Barry Knight for the District 98 seat.

Barry Knight

The late longtime Republican delegate for District 98 who died last month, leaving the seat vacant.

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What they’re saying

“What I would bring to the table is a voice for victims and citizens that I think is being largely ignored right now.”

— Andrew Rice, Virginia Beach Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney (dailypress.com)

“We've got to make sure we continue to keep them in the school system.”

— Cheryl Smith, Retired teacher (dailypress.com)

What’s next

The special election will be held on March 17, 2026, with the winner serving the remainder of Barry Knight's two-year term.

The takeaway

This special election in Virginia Beach's District 98 will determine who fills the seat of the late Republican delegate Barry Knight, who held the position for 17 years. The outcome could shift the partisan balance in the state's House of Delegates.